The PS CSA Agreement 2021: What You Need to Know
In February 2021, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) reached a tentative agreement with the federal government, covering over 140,000 public service employees. The new agreement, if ratified, would replace the previous collective bargaining agreement that expired in June 2018. Here`s a breakdown of what employees can expect from the PS CSA Agreement 2021.
Salary Increases
The agreement includes a salary increase of 2.8% over the course of four years, retroactive to July 1, 2018. This includes a 1.5% increase in the first year, followed by 0.8% in each of the following three years. Employees will also receive a lump-sum payment of $500 in recognition of the long delay in reaching a new agreement.
New Bonuses
The agreement introduces new bonuses, including a one-time payment of $400 for employees who successfully complete their probation period, and a $600 payment for those who receive a “performance pay” rating of “strong” or “exemplary.”
Improved Job Security
The new agreement includes provisions that will improve job security for employees. It includes protections against layoffs due to contracting out, and introduces a new process for considering the impact of technological change on the workforce.
Expanded Parental Leave
The agreement includes expanded parental leave provisions, allowing new parents to take up to 93 weeks off work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child. This includes the option to take a longer unpaid leave of up to 18 months.
Improved Workplace Conditions
The new agreement also introduces several improvements to working conditions. This includes clearer definitions of flexible working arrangements, a commitment to addressing workplace harassment and violence, and provisions for improved mental health support for employees.
What Happens Next?
The tentative agreement must be ratified by PSAC members before it comes into effect. Members will have the opportunity to review the full text of the agreement and vote on its adoption in the coming weeks. If approved, the new agreement will provide much-needed stability for public service employees, who have been working without a contract for over two years.
In conclusion, the PS CSA Agreement 2021 provides a range of benefits for public service employees, including salary increases, new bonuses, improved job security, expanded parental leave, and improved workplace conditions. If ratified, this agreement will provide long-awaited stability and security for PSAC members in the years to come.